embassy events 2008

The Poznań Climate Change Conference ended on Friday, December 12th

12 December 2008

(l-r) Ambassador Ashe, Paula Dobriansky, Undersecretary of State for Democracy and Global Affairs and Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner of Wisconsin (more photos)

The United Nations Climate Change Conference in Poznań (1-12 December 2008) entered its most intense phase Thursday and Friday last week as minister-level delegates from around the world met in the final two days of negotiations, announced Press Attaché, James Wolfe.  Senator John Kerry of Massachusetts arrived in Poznań on Thursday and Undersecretary of State for Democracy and Global Affairs, Paula Dobriansky, was also joined by Jim Connaughton, Chairman of the White House Council on Environmental Quality.
 
As head of the US team, Dobriansky participated in the ministerial portion during these last two days in Poznań.   During interviews with Polish and international press, Dobriansky paid tribute to the global process and remarked that the issue of climate change remains a high priority for the United States.  She argued that United States had already made "substantial contributions" in several practical ways such as raising funds to help poor countries cope with climate change.  Dobriansky told Sky News Online that both Republicans and Democrats wanted an environmentally efficient and sustainable agreement.  “But in order to achieve that, there has to be action from all countries, developed and developing, this is key," she said.

Senator John Kerry, who has been asked by US president-elect Barack Obama to report back on the United Nations climate change talks in Poland, said the United States will be working in a close partnership with the European Union on climate change issues.
In an interview for the Associated Press, Sen. Kerry said the United States will have a climate policy in place within a year and confirmed Dobriansky’s previous statement when he said: “The key to the treaty is a commitment by all nations, not just industrial countries, to cut emissions.”
On Wednesday evening, Ambassador Victor Ashe hosted a reception in Poznań for members of the U.S. negotiating team and Congressional staff.  Paula Dobriansky and Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner of Wisconsin were among the guests who enjoyed the atmosphere of Poznań's beautiful market square. 

On several occasions, Dobriansky, leader of the U.S. delegation, emphasized the importance of this two-week session in Poznań. Dobriansky said the U.S. team hopes to create a solid foundation in Poznań that will lead to intensive negotiations over the next year.